Here is what we think is the only comprehensive record of pubs and beerhouses within the Coventry city boundaries going back as far as available records allow. This is an ongoing project so contributions, corrections or additions to this archive, especially anecdotes, photos and media are most welcome. Feel free to contact us for a pint and a chat anytime.

Board means 'to board intoxicating liquor'. In some cases the need for a premises to have 'a board' , that is a sign board, suggested this name as some places did in fact display a blank board. However, in this case, the Board identified a person sellling beer from their home; in other words a beerhouse under the 1839 Beerhouse Act, the real origin of the 'public house'.

Between 1868 and 1896 there is a gap whilst it was a wine merchants. It was closed in 1930 upon the payment of compensation. The licensee between 1913 and 1922, John William Gudge Slade (' Bill '), was a bricklayer and was appointed to the executive committee of the Coventry City Supporters' Club in 1921. He was later given the surprise opportunity to take temporary control of the team after the sacking of manager James McIntyre in February 1931. After a brief stint in charge Bill must have got the taste for managership as in 1932 he became manager of Walsall. In January 1932 he steered the side to one of the F.A. Cup's greatest giant killings when Walsall beat the mighty Arsenal 2 - 0. He died in 1975 aged 90 years.

1913 News 2-55 ----John William Gudge Slade, the 35 year old licensee of the Board Vaults Inn, in Spon Street

Mr Gudge Slade, better known as Bill, was a bricklayer when he was adopted by a tradesman who moved with Bill's mother to Coventry.... after living in
Craven Street he became landlord of the Spon Street pub in 1913.

He was appointed to the executive committee of the ( Coventry

City ) Supporters Club in 1921.

.....he was later given the surprise opportunity to take temperory control of team affairs after the shock sacking of manager James McIntyre in February
1931.

Despite a brief stint behind the reins, which ended in August that year with the appointment of a new manager, Bill obviously had gotten a taste for
managership.

he resigned from the club in 1932 to take the job of Walsall manager. it was a good move. In January the next year the ex pub landlord and adopted son of a
Coventry brickie steered his side to one of the F. A. Cup's greatest giant killings when Walsall beat Arsenal 2-0 in a third round tie at Fellows Park.